DAVID FURBY CAUGHT IN COVENTRY AND RUGBY CHILD SEX OFFENSES
In March 2015, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Coventry who engaged in predatory online behavior targeting a young girl from Rugby.The individual, later identified as David Furby, used deception and manipulation to exploit a 12-year-old girl through social media platforms.
Furby, aged 32 and residing on St Lukes Road in the Holbrooks area of Coventry, created a fake Facebook profile under the alias Richard Mander.
He falsely claimed to be younger than his actual age in an attempt to conceal his true identity and intentions.
Once the account was set up, Furby initiated contact with a girl living in Rugby, engaging her in explicit conversations that quickly crossed boundaries into sexual content.
Prosecutor Edward Soulsby detailed that Furby not only exchanged explicit messages but also sent a photograph of a sexual nature to the young girl, fully aware of her age.
Despite knowing she was only 12, Furby encouraged her to view the explicit image, demonstrating a clear disregard for her vulnerability.
Additionally, Furby attempted to call her, intending to have her listen to him perform a sexual act over the phone.
His actions were part of a disturbing pattern of grooming behavior aimed at exploiting a minor.
The situation escalated when the girl’s concerned father noticed her online activity and the nature of her conversations.
His suspicions prompted him to monitor her social media use more closely.
When Furby made a phone call to the girl in May of the previous year, her mother answered the call.
She promptly informed Furby that the police had been notified about his conduct, effectively halting his attempts to continue the interaction.
Following his arrest, Furby attempted to justify his actions by claiming he used a false name due to previous online abuse and dismissed his false age as a mistake.
He denied any predatory intent and insisted he was not attracted to young girls.
However, he admitted that he only realized the girl’s true age after sending her the explicit photograph, though he acknowledged he was aware of her youth when he encouraged her to listen to him perform a sexual act.
During the court proceedings, Kevin Grego urged the judge to consider a community-based sentence, including participation in a sex offender treatment program or a suspended sentence.
Nevertheless, Judge Sylvia de Bertodano sentenced Furby to 12 months in prison.
She also ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
Judge de Bertodano highlighted the gravity of Furby’s misconduct, stating, “You set up a Facebook account in a false name.
She told you repeatedly she was 12.
That makes this a serious matter.
Children grow up in a frightening world, easy prey to people like you with a complete disregard for the child.
This kind of thing leads to long-term psychological damage.
It is extremely fortunate that the child’s parents could see what you were doing and put a stop to it.”
